On Friday, October 25, 2024, MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem George Mireku-Duker held the third edition of the Duker’s Teachers and Maiden Edition of the Health Workers’ Awards ceremony, which is meant to honour, celebrate, and motivate hardworking Teachers, Nurses, Doctors, and supporting staff under the theme “Championing Learning and Wellness in our Communities.”
He indicated that the Awards ceremony, which has been running for three (3) years now and culminates in millions of Ghana Cedis, has been supported by benevolent individuals, institutions, and the will of God.
During last year’s ceremony, the MP promised his outfit would progressively start honouring extraordinary health professionals who work hard and tirelessly to provide effective healthcare services and save lives.
“True to my pledge, the tag name “Duker’s Teachers Awards,” as it was for the last two years, has metamorphosed into “Duker’s Teachers and Health Workers Awards.”
“I am of the firm believe that teachers and health workers are critical professionals in our communities. Our existence on Earth depends greatly on these two professions, which require the necessary attention and support” Mr Mireku-Duker stated.
Some teachers and health workers practice in remote areas that are not commutable by transportation, yet they continue to give their best.
These are some reasons the MP set forth this journey through his good self to improve learning, teaching, and healthcare in the Municipality.
In this year’s awards, he awarded twenty-one (21) teachers from categories such as Non-Teaching Staff, KG Category, Primary Category, JHS Category, SHS/TVET Category, and Headteachers Category, with each of those categories awarding (1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners) the Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher, Best Teacher for Environmental Advocacy, and Overall Best Teacher.
Regarding the Health Awards, Sixteen (16) awards were won from Five (5) categories, namely the Hospital Category, Support Staff Category, Health Center/CHPS Category, Municipal Directorate Category, Nursing and Midwifery Training College and the Best Health Worker.
Two Lifetime Awards were presented to a retired Educationist and a Health Practitioner, and one other special award.
Prizes such as Motorbikes, Refrigerators, Chest Freezers, TV sets, and Cash, in some cases, were presented accordingly per each level, and the overall Best Teacher, Mr Francis Archer of Tarkwa Senior High School, went home with a brand-new Vehicle proudly worth US$14,000. All award winners were presented with citations and plaques as well.
The award scheme is really motivating Teachers in the Municipality, as per reports and data available. The BECE pass rate in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality has increased from 76% in 2021 to 82.5% in 2022 and 84% in 2023. That is indeed refreshing. Also, WASSCE Pass Rates improved from 69.35% in 2021 to 78.25% in 2022 and to 96.5% in 2023.
He emphasized that “It is my hope that, Teachers and Health Workers will continue giving their best in their line of duty, as we keep delivering the necessary infrastructure and support to ease their work.
Tarkwa-Nsuaem must be associated with excellent delivery in its various Education and Health institutions.
I express profound gratitude to the independent award selection committees. I appreciate all institutions and individuals who in one way or the other supported the event.
Special thanks to the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, Prof. Grace Ofori-Sarpong, Hon. Kojo Frempong, Lawyer Edward Osei, Tarkwa MCE, Officials from the Ministries of Education, Health, Municipal Education & Health Directors, Heads of all Education Institutions in the Municipal, students, security apparatus, Nananom and all others who graced the occasion”.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
